Every year, the organizers of the Pratt Contemporaries' Black and White Party pick a new theme, and this year it was "Brave New World" futuristic.
A large Cubist sculpture hung over the lobby of the central library on which constantly changing patterns and photos were projected. A big screen behind a DJ pulsed with black and white patterns. Neon sculptures decorated the bars, and servers passed hors d'oeuvres on trays decorated with blinking lights.
"It's over the top," said Beulah Sabundayo, event chair.
But what really made the $100-a-ticket shindig spectacular was the sight of the some 800 guests. This was a crowd dressed up in all manner of black and white cocktail and formal attire — with a sprinkling of personal interpretations of sci-fi style.
"It's a real testament to this generation and that we want to give back," said Ned Courtemanche, event co-chair, referring to the group of young library supporters that throw the event each year.
"After six years, the kids are grown up now," said Carla Hayden, Enoch Pratt Free Library CEO. "They are partying; it's fantastic. And it's all in the library and for the library."
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